A snoring spouse is no joke. Losing sleep because of a bed-partner that snores actually has been given a name by sleep researchers – SAS or Spousal Arousal Syndrome.

The health consequences of Spousal Arousal Syndrome can be significant. Spouses lose an average of two hours of sleep per night because of the snoring partner and what sleep they do get is often fragmented. Lack of sleep causes weight gain, irritability, increased blood pressure, memory problems and daytime sleepiness. Poor job performance and an increased risk of accident due to tiredness are also common.

Other than sleeping in separate ends of the house what can you do? First, you need to convince your spouse that their snoring is really THAT bad. A tape recorder or video camera may come in handy for this. Second, you need to have your spouse screened for a sleep breathing disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep are all signs.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has very serious health consequences including increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, diagnosing and treating sleep apnea can allow you both a full night of sleep. The first line of treatment for this disorder is called CPAP but about half of patients cannot tolerate sleeping with the machine. A highly effective and much simpler treatment is an oral appliance created by a sleep medicine dentist like Dr. Mark Levy in Columbus, OH. An oral appliance looks similar to a mouthguard and is worn during sleep — when properly adjusted the device stops the snoring and keeps the airway open all night.

You both wake up feeling energized and refreshed! How long has it been since that happened?

Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care in Columbus, OH today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your dental sleep medicine consultation with Dr. Levy. You both deserve a good night’s sleep.